As usual the first week of the NFL leaves some fantasy owners cheering from the mountain tops, while others recovering an plotting their next move. There’s a certain rush that fantasy players experience when they see draft picks live up to the reach an owner made in the mid to late rounds of their draft, and yet a certain lamenting of choices made that is felt when the opposite happens. Either way, its only week 1 and there are still months of football before a champion is crowned, and any good fantasy owner knows that the waiver wire can make or break a season.

Randall Cobb – Cobb should be grabbed in most formats, but in PPR formats especially. Cobb lined up in the H back position during the Packers game, and though he didn’t record a rush, he did have 9 catches. Cobb has a lot of speed and could be very Darren Sproles/ Percy Harvin like if the Packers continue to expand his role. With Greg Jennings possibly missing this Thursday’s game, Cobb’s chances should grow. He is currently available in 51% of leagues.

Kevin Ogletree – After Ogletree exploded last Wednesday on network TV to open the season to the tune of 8 catches, 114 yards, and 2 TDs, it’s hard to imagine that he’s available in most leagues. He is looking to fill the role that Laurent Robinson had last season which, rightfully so, has fantasy owners salivating. He should be grabbed immediately if available in your league, but with expectations tempered. Robinson flourished last season because Miles Austin and Dez Bryant under performed and DeMarco Murray has yet to emerge as a major part of the offense for an extended period of time before being injured. That being said, Ogletree is currently available in 57% of leagues.

Aldrick Robinson – When Pierre Garcon went down with a foot injury, Robinson came in and pick right up where Garcon left off. He had 5 catches for 52 yards and a TD. Garcon has said he will be able to play this next week, but foot injuries are tricky and he could easily reinjure himself. He is currently available in 98% of leagues.

Stephen Hill – The Jets erupted for 48 points after struggling to score 1 TD during the preseason. Hill was a strong reason for that. He lacks refined skills as a receiver, but is one of those high up side players with size and speed. On an offense lacking reliable play at the wide receiver position, he is well worth a grab coming off of a 5/89/1 day. He is currently available in 82% of leagues.

Alfred Morris – In the quagmire that is the Shanahan backfield, Alfred Morris has emerged as the lead back in Washington racking up 96 yards and 2 TDs against the Saints. As of now Morris is the lead back, but was largely unused in the passing game, making him a liability in PPr leagues, unless your stable of running backs is barren. However, he has a strong matchup against the Rams next week and is worth the add. He is currently available in 68% of leagues.

Jonthan Dwyer – Clearly, the better back on Sunday night, Dwyer came within a knee of a score and much more fantasy attention this week. However, Dwyer may have earned a bigger role this next week against the Jets. He ran with power and was able to shed tackles, unlike Isaac Redman. The backfield in Pittsburgh may end up too muddled for fantasy relevance, but if anyone will come out of there with significance as of right now it’s Dwyer. When Mendehall returns things may change. He is currently available in 82% of leagues.

Marcedes Lewis – After a strong 2010 season, Lewis went back into hiding only to reemerge as a viable option as a backup tight end. He showed a strong connection with a more NFL ready Blaine Gabbert. He posted 5 catches for 56 yards and a TD. He is currently available in 94% of leagues.

Martellus Benntt – Perhaps getting out of Dallas was really what Bennett needed the whole time. He hauled in 4 catches for 40 yards and a TD, and Eli Manning seemed to have plenty of confidence in getting the ball to him. Mannin also has a pension of relying on his tight end. He is currently available in 74% of leagues.

Shayne Graham – The Houston offense looked very much like what it was last season and Shayne Graham is a reliable kicker. The Texans helped Neil Rackers return to relevance with 32 FGs last season and Graham looks to benefit in much the same way this season. He might not have quite the distance, but his 80% career accuracy should help keep him relevant and especially around the fantasy playoffs. He is currently available in 94% of leagues.

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Written by David Willow
My name is David Willow. Your NFL and Fantasy Jedi. I have lived in Dallas, TX most of my life. I have been following both football and basketball since I was a child. I love being able to research and analyze different players and teams. I've been a fantasy sports enthusiast for around 8 years with some titles to back that. I have a Bachelors degree in History with a minor in English. Other hobbies include me being part of an acting workshop for five years, playing guitar, and working out. Hit me up with any comments, questions or opinions.

2 Comments

In response to “Fantasy Football Week 1 Waivers”

Dave, good blog. I grabbed Morris up in the preseason in both of my leagues, handcuffing him with Roy Helu because I do know how Shanahan rolls. He started for me last week in one replacing Ryan Mathews and was a nice surprise with the 2 scores. I’m not sure how effective he’ll be in the other which is a keeper PPR league, but I think I’ll hold him for awhile just to see how he pans out.

I want to keep him and maybe let Helu go to snap up Hill (I understand he’s starting for the Jets), but I’m not sure if that’s worth the risk. Any thoughts on that move?

Keeping any Redskins RB is a gamble, and Helu is probably the more talented back in Washington. It’s his durability that has kept the Shanahan’s from featuring him. That being said Helu could end the starter this or next week or the week after that. Stephen Hill appears to have a ton of talent and a big physical frame to go with it. However, he is gamble as well being as how is a rookie and very unpolished. I would say make the pick up based on your team’s biggest need for depth either RB or WR, keeping in mind that Morris could be replaced tomorrow.